I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth—and, no doubt about it, a new Bruno Mars release is a welcome gift…but… his newest, “Versace On The Floor” as in…
Ooh, I love that dress,
but you won’t need it anymore
is different than his previous high energy, hippest-guy-in-the room oeuvre of songs, rather, “Versace On The Floor” slows it down and dims the lights for a hot n’ heavy slow jam reminiscent of Gregory Abbott’s simmering “Shake It Down” (1986), and while both songs are dreamy examples of seduction, and while both men are suave, Gregory Abbott presents a more traditionally masculine persona, as was the style for men in the 80’s. Bruno Mars is also suave and he’s also a bit androgynous, as men in general are today i.e. less Keith Richards, more Jerry Seinfeld. Also, Abbott, like other classic 80s R&B heart throbs, has that Teddy Pendergrass sound and Bruno Mars sings in a higher pitch.
As a Boomer, I notice the difference, minor as it is. That said, there’s always room for a new song of seduction.
Let’s take our time tonight, girl
Above us all the stars are watchin’
There’s no place I’d rather be in this world
Your eyes are where I’m lost in
Ooh, I love that dress, but you won’t need it anymore
“Versace On The Floor” is #23 on both Top 40 and Adult Top 40 charts.
I have been enjoying this feature a lot since getting it from Dave Sholin, and it’s a way for me to hear current music and relate it to a more familiar era. And though I don’t always agree with your “ears” as far as to how the second tune mirrors the first one, I think you’d have to agree that while the Gregory Abbott song DOES have a lot of the same melody and tempo as Bruno’s tune (and is one of your better examples of similar production), Gregory really sounds nothing like Teddy Pendergrass wouldn’t you agree? Abbott hits some nice high tenor notes, and Teddy is more of a rough-hewn soul performer, reminiscent of Marvin Junior of the esteemed Dells! Just wanted you to know I DO love getting your stuff, and hope you’re glad to get some feedback!